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Updated: Jul 20, 2026
Profiling of Estrogen-regulated MicroRNAs in Breast Cancer Cells
Published on: February 21, 2014
Neuroglobin: A New Possible Marker of Estrogen-Responsive Breast Cancer
Virginia Solar Fernandez1, Marco Fiocchetti1, Manuela Cipolletti1
1Department of Science, University Roma Tre, Viale Guglielmo Marconi 446, I-00146 Roma, Italy.
Abstract:
The expression of the α-subtype of Estrogen Receptor (ERα) characterizes most breast cancers (more than 75%), for which endocrine therapy is the mainstay for their treatment. However, a high percentage of ERα+ breast cancers are de novo or acquired resistance to endocrine therapy, and the definition of new targets for improving therapeutic interventions and the prediction of treatment response is demanding. Our previous data identified the ERα/AKT/neuroglobin (NGB) pathway as a common pro-survival process activated in different ERα breast cancer cell lines. However, no in vivo association between the globin and the malignity of breast cancer has yet been done. Here, we evaluated the levels and localization of NGB in ERα+ breast ductal carcinoma tissue of different grades derived from pre-and post-menopausal patients. The results indicate a strong association between NGB accumulation, ERα, AKT activation, and the G3 grade, while no association with the menopausal state has been evidenced. Analyses of the data set (e.g., GOBO) strengthen the idea that NGB accumulation could be linked to tumor cell aggressiveness (high grade) and resistance to treatment. These data support the view that NGB accumulation, mainly related to ER expression and tumor grade, represents a compensatory process, which allows cancer cells to survive in an unfavorable environment.
Insights
Neuroglobin (NGB) accumulation is linked to aggressive ERα+ breast cancer and resistance to endocrine therapy. This finding highlights NGB as a potential biomarker for treatment response in ERα-positive breast tumors.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Estrogen Receptor alpha (ERα) positive breast cancer, representing over 75% of cases, relies on endocrine therapy.
- A significant proportion of ERα+ breast cancers exhibit resistance to endocrine therapy, necessitating novel therapeutic targets and response predictors.
- Previous research identified the ERα/AKT/neuroglobin (NGB) pathway as a pro-survival mechanism in ERα+ breast cancer cell lines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vivo association between neuroglobin (NGB) and breast cancer malignancy.
- To evaluate NGB levels and localization in ERα+ breast ductal carcinoma tissues across different grades and menopausal statuses.
- To explore the correlation of NGB accumulation with tumor aggressiveness and treatment resistance.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of NGB expression and localization in ERα+ breast ductal carcinoma tissues from pre- and post-menopausal patients.
- Assessment of NGB association with ERα expression, AKT activation, and tumor grade (G3).
- Bioinformatic analysis of existing datasets (e.g., GOBO) to correlate NGB accumulation with tumor aggressiveness and treatment response.
Main Results:
- A strong correlation was observed between NGB accumulation, ERα expression, AKT activation, and high tumor grade (G3).
- No association was found between NGB accumulation and menopausal status.
- Data analysis suggests NGB accumulation is linked to increased tumor cell aggressiveness and treatment resistance.
Conclusions:
- NGB accumulation in ERα+ breast cancer is significantly associated with tumor grade and ER expression.
- NGB accumulation appears to be a compensatory survival mechanism for cancer cells in adverse environments.
- NGB may serve as a potential biomarker for predicting treatment response and tumor aggressiveness in ERα+ breast cancer.
